What is VPS Hosting? - Virtual Private Server
Last updated on January 19, 2025 by RGB Web Tech
A VPS ( Virtual Private Server ) is a virtual machine sold as a service by an Internet hosting service. The virtual dedicated server (VDS) also has a similar meaning.
A virtual private server runs its own copy of an operating system (OS), and customers may have superuser-level access to that operating system instance, so they can install almost any software that runs on that OS. For many purposes it is functionally equivalent to a dedicated physical server and, being software-defined, can be created and configured much more easily. A virtual server costs much less than an equivalent physical server. However, as virtual servers share the underlying physical hardware with other VPSes, performance may be lower, depending on the workload of any other executing virtual machines.
How does VPS work?
If you’re familiar with VMware or Virtualbox, you’ll be familiar with how VPS hosting works. These programs let you run what are known as virtualized operating systems from one machine. For example, your computer might be running OS X, but you could run different systems such as Linux or Windows XP without having to reconfigure or restart your computer.
VPS web hosting environments work in the same way as a virtualized operating system in the sense that one server will run numerous, one of a kind virtualized OS’s on a single server -since each virtualized system behaves as though it is a dedicated server. Virtualization is possible through a hypervisor. A hypervisor is computer hardware, software or firmware that creates and runs virtual machines (VM) by separating the underlying physical hardware from a computer’s operating system and applications. The computer system on which the hypervisor runs is known as a host machine, and each VM is called a guest machine.
The hypervisor provides each guest machine (each website using the VPS) with a virtual operating system and takes care of managing and executing guest operating systems. This process makes the most effective use of computer resources such as network bandwidth, memory space and processor cycles. For this reason, a hypervisor also goes by the name of a virtual machine monitor (VMM).
VPS hosting relies on a hypervisor to take resources from the physical server and provide each website with access to an emulated server (the VM). These physical servers are often held in a data center and divided equally between several virtual compartments (known as server virtualization). Each compartment is rented out, and server software is set-up on them separately so that each unit is capable of functioning as an independent unit. Each individual VPS is called a container, and the server each container is held within is known as a node.
With VPS, you benefit from many of the advantages of a dedicated server for a significantly lower cost. It offers more privileges within the OS and allows users to install any type of software capable of running on that OS. Each virtual server’s software is installed separately, enabling independent functionality for all users.
Defined amounts of CPU time and memory are shared throughout all the accounts sharing the server space. So, despite the fact that there might be far bigger websites than yours on another VPS compartment powered by the same server, that doesn’t matter. You are guaranteed the system resources you are paying for.
VPS is a step up for most users, but you'll also benefit by knowing a bit more about the technology. When your website is stored on a VPS, you are solely responsible for setting up, maintaining and running the server yourself. Handling an internet server is not an easy task! It involves taking care of security patches, server configuration, software updates, and so on. Unless you have the degree of technical skills required, it is going to tricky, and for this reason, there are two versions of VPS hosting – managed VPS and unmanaged VPS.
There are different types of VPS Hosting
Unmanaged VPS
With unmanaged VPS, your web hosting takes over installing the operating system, and you as the site owner take over managing various aspects of the server such as:
- Installing software, your control panel and taking care of software updates.
- Monitoring for security threats, installing security patches and fixing error messages.
- In the event of an outage or hardware failure you won’t get much if any support from your host.
- Configuring and maintaining your server including any upgrades you might want to see.
- You take over the responsibility of setting up your sites backup services.
This is recommended for site owners who have a technical background.
Managed VPS
Site owners with less technical acumen or a smaller staff can benefit from managed VPS. With managed VPS hosting, IT professionals lighten your load by keeping your server running correctly and taking care of your virtual server. Here’s what you should expect from a web hosting provider:
- Initial server setup : When you launch your site with a VPS there are a few steps to take in order to set the server up including installing your control panel, server software and installing any applications and your operating system. A managed host will take care of this.
- Updates : Similarly, all applications and OS updates, and ongoing fine tuning of the server will be handled for you.
- Security Patches : Security patches for your OS and core server software are installed and updated, on your behalf.
- Monitoring : Monitors for early warning signs of hardware failure and malicious attack.
- Automated Backups : In the event anything goes wrong with your site, you can retrieve it back to an earlier version.
Check with your VPS hosting provider to see what levels of management they offer. Some have greater flexibility, like Namecheap; we offer Self-Managed, Managed, Fully Managed and Emergency Assistance.
The tradeoffs between managed and unmanaged hosting are cost vs flexibility. While unmanaged services are, naturally, far cheaper than managed plans, there’s a snag - you need to have the tech know-how to run and maintain a server, or be prepared to hire someone to keep it running smoothly and safe from potential attacks.
What are the benefits of VPS Hosting?
The main merits of VPS servers is that they give you the freedom of having your own virtual machine just like you would from a more expensive, dedicated server with performance that can allow you to handle moderate traffic with the occasional heavy spike.
- Customization : Since you have your own OS, with a VPS, you can customize it to your needs. For example, if you have your own instances of server applications from PHP, to MySQL, or Apache, you can customize them so that the server fits your needs.
- Control : Offers the ability to oversee a hosting environment. Also, if you plan to install applications that need you to perform a system restart to finalize the installation, you can do this without affecting anyone else, at any time. Even though you share a VPS server with others, yours can be restarted without disrupting others.
- Cheaper : More affordable than a dedicated server.
- Dedicated resources : With a VPS Server, you have a predefined amount of RAM available to you whenever you need it. In contrast to shared web hosting, where there could be others sharing your server that could eat up the RAM when you want it most!
- Scalable : Another great thing about VPS is that you can purchase the resources you think you will need, and if that’s insufficient, you can simply increase its size.
Virtual Private Server Pros and Cons
VPS hosting can be an ideal solution for you if that’s the service you really need. Below, you can read the pros and cons of running a virtual private server.
Pros
- It’s faster and more reliable than a shared hosting server.
- As server resources such as memory or processing power are guaranteed, there’s zero to minimal fluctuation in available resources.
- Issues and traffic surges of other server users don’t affect your site.
- You get superuser (root) access to your server.
- You have better privacy, as your files and databases are locked from other server users.
- It’s an easy-to-scale service. As your website grows, you can easily upgrade your server resources (RAM, CPU, disk space, bandwidth, etc.).
Cons
- It’s more expensive than shared hosting.
- It requires more technical knowledge to setup your VPS, though there are a lot of tutorials available online.
- Server management is more technically demanding than shared or cloud plans.
- Improperly configured servers may lead to security vulnerabilities.
Do I need VPS hosting?
There are use cases for every type of hosting, so who exactly is VPS hosting for? You should consider VPS hosting if:
- Your business is expanding beyond the constraints of shared hosting.
- You are expecting a substantial increase in site traffic within the next few months. For example, your site is geared toward a new marketing effort or promotional campaign, or if you’re expanding into other markets.
- You might have enough bandwidth to handle a single website, but two, three? If you plan on hosting several websites in the near future you’re going to need more resources. Similarly, if your current shared hosting account is eating through the resources and your host is asking you to consider upgrading, it’s time to consider VPS.
- Your website needs better privacy and performance compared to what’s available with shared hosting.
- You want full control over the server, things like custom configurations, root access and installations unavailable with shared hosting.
Conclusion
VPS style hosting is the best way to keep up the success of any site going through rapid growth and expansion. It’s the next best plan that can afford some form of scalability. With VPS, not only will you enjoy a tremendous amount of storage and bandwidth (that’s entirely yours), it’s a cost effective solution to meeting the demands of a busy site. Of course we’ve mentioned dedicated hosting, which for most will be a vast amount of resources you may not need, and you’ll pay significantly more for it.
When deciding between the type of VPS, consider how hands on you want to be, or whether you are able to employ someone else to do the heavy lifting for you. If you like the sound of running your own server, go for unmanaged VPS, if on the other hand you’d like some help with server maintenance, automated backups and software updates, opt for the managed version. When it comes to choosing a VPS host.
Namecheap has the most optimized VPS hosting plans, we provide three types of VPS management: self-managed, managed (which includes root access) where we provide assistance with the additional configuration of core services to meet the specific requirements of each site. We can also help to optimize the server performance. We offer constant monitoring of all services on the server to prevent any of them from being down, and the ability to take immediate actions to resolve the issue in the case sudden downtime occurs. Our fully managed service plans (when root access is granted to Namecheap) includes all the features of the managed option including extras such as priority support and weekly backups.
List of VPS (Virtual Private Server) Service Providers:
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Read More : You can explore here 30+ Best Web Hosting Providers 2023
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Written by RGB Web Tech
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Best WordPress Hosting - Fast & Secure
Last updated on January 19, 2025 by RGB Web Tech
In this post, we’re going to tackle head-on the confusion that seems to keep coming up in the world of hosting with the terms WordPress hosting vs Web Hosting.
Using some form of web hosting is essential if you want to take your business online. Picking the right host can boost your site’s SEO, increase your sales, and provide tools and packages to help your business. But what is the difference between WordPress hosting and web hosting, and which is the better option?
WordPress hosting and web hosting are two very different types of hosting and are not to be confused. There are a few key differences between the two, and each has its own advantages, plans, and providers. Here’s a guide to WordPress hosting vs. web hosting and how to differentiate and choose between the two.
What is WordPress hosting?
In a nutshell, WordPress hosting is a form of web hosting optimized to run WordPress sites.
By using a WordPress host, you’ll receive lots of tools and services that are specifically tailored to WordPress sites. These may vary depending on what WP hosting service you opt for, but often include features such as one-click-install, automatic software updates, and a team of support staff who specialize in WordPress to provide you with customized support.
What is web hosting?
Web hosting is a much more general term and describes the process of an individual or organization buying a spot online to make their website accessible on the Internet.
A web host works by allocating space on a server to store the files associated with your website and by providing internet connectivity for your site. This allows your website to go live on the Internet and appear in search results.
Web hosting is very much an umbrella term, and there are lots of different types of web hosting, as well as different providers and features. If you plan on creating a website for your business, you’ll need to use some form of web hosting because you won’t be able to get your site online without a host.
What’s the difference between web hosting and WordPress hosting?
The key difference between web hosting and WordPress hosting is that web hosting is a much broader, overarching service, while WordPress hosting refers to a specific niche tailored to WordPress installs.
Web hosting is a more generalized service and refers to any hosting service that stores a site’s files on a server to make the site live on the Internet. A web host will cater to a wide range of site builders, and the websites stored on one of their servers may be operating on thousands of different platforms.
WordPress hosting, on the other hand, is a specific niche in web hosting. WordPress hosting can also use shared servers to host multiple websites at once but, unlike web hosting, every website on a shared server will be a WordPress site. A WordPress host caters specifically to WordPress installs and offers customized solutions, services, and support optimized for WordPress performance.
How to choose the best hosting option for your business
With over 338,561 web hosting service providers available worldwide, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your business – especially if you’re still deliberating between WordPress hosting vs. web hosting.
Both options have their advantages and are available from a wide range of providers in a variety of plans. To choose the best option for your business, keep in mind the key things a business needs in a web hosting service:
- Dedicated 24/7 customer service
- Supported domain name management
- Basic security features
- Uptime guarantee
- Server accessibility
WordPress Quick Overview
WordPress powers 35% of all websites on the Internet right now – and with a 4% annual growth, this is set to rise. WordPress is a hugely popular site builder and is used by businesses such as eBay, The New York Times, and Sony to create and power their websites.
According to research, WordPress is the most used CMS, and more than 1.1 million new domains are registered every six months. If you’re looking to create a business website or migrate your existing one, WordPress is a leading site builder – and it’s a noteworthy hosting option, too.
WordPress is an easy-to-use, simple, and fully customizable hosting option, and using a WordPress hosting service alongside your WP site will optimize your site’s performance and results.
WordPress hosting benefits
1. Improved Security : WordPress hosts offer servers equipped against WordPress-specific threats alongside a dedicated team who will stay on top of security issues and ensure your site is safe and secure.
2. Fast set-up and Performance : The website set-up process is made incredibly quick using pre-configured web technologies and the WordPress servers ensure fast loading times and quick uptime from the moment your site’s live.
3. Better Plugin Function : You won’t need to use as many plugins with a managed WP hosting service, because performance, security, and caching will all be optimized by the host. And for the plugins you do want or need, WP hosted sites are optimized to work with the most popular of them, which can be automatically updated.
4. Easy-to-add SSL Certificates : Most managed WordPress hosting plans allow you to add an SSL certificate to your site in a couple of clicks, at no extra charge.
5. Automatic Updates : Your website will receive automatic updates and upgrades, and security packages can be added to every website on a server at once.
6. Tailored Support : When using a WordPress hosting service, you’ll be able to access dedicated customer support services, experts in resolving WordPress issues.
Who should use WordPress hosting?
If you built your website using WordPress, you’ll benefit hugely from using WordPress hosting. WP hosting integrates perfectly with websites built with WordPress and will improve your site’s functioning, security, and offer automatic updates. You don’t have to use WordPress Hosting if you have a WordPress website, but combining the two creates the ultimate package.
Those looking for a managed hosting plan would benefit from WordPress hosting, too. WordPress hosts often offer managed services, where your site is run and maintained for you by WP experts. This is a great option for those with limited time or experience with running a website.
Web Hosting and WordPress Hosting Plans
Whether you choose to use WordPress hosting or web hosting, you’ll have to choose a hosting plan. Shared hosting, VPS hosting, Dedicated server hosting, and Cloud hosting are popular services offered by both WordPress hosts and web hosts.
WordPress hosts also offer some additional managed hosting services that can help with the running of your site.
Here are six of the most popular hosting plans available:
1. Shared Hosting : When you use a shared hosting plan, your website will share a server with other clients. This is a cheaper option and is easy to set up, making it ideal for those who are creating a starter website or who don’t have much site traffic.
2. Virtual Private Servers : A VPS plan is similar to shared hosting; you will share your server with other users, but you will be more isolated and have your own allotted space. This plan is ideal for those operating on a lower budget and who want a higher level of control and customization.
3. Dedicated Server : If you have a high-traffic website and need optimized performance and fast loading speeds, a dedicated server is a good choice. Dedicated servers offer you total customization, improved reliability, and the chance to scale your business up; but they are a high investment option.
4. Cloud Hosting : This is a relatively new type of hosting, where your website is hosted on a cloud infrastructure rather than stored on a physical server. This hosting plan has lots to offer to those looking for scalability and stability at a cheaper price, but pricing isn’t always fixed, so if your site experiences an increase in traffic, you might see an unexpected rise in costs.
5. Managed WordPress Hosting : Lots of WordPress hosting providers offer a managed service, where the host manages and runs all the technical aspects of your WordPress site for you. Managed Hosting plans can be run across any of the hosting plans listed above, and offer optimum security, performance, and configuration.
6. Optimized WordPress Hosting : If you’re looking for a hosting plan that offers pre-installed features and technologies to optimize your site, Optimized WordPress Hosting is a great choice. Optimized WordPress Hosting is a complete package plan and comes with pre-installed WordPress hosting, WordPress optimized servers, built-in WordPress security, and WordPress expert support.
Which plan you choose will depend on your budget, the amount of traffic your site receives, and how much help you want from your host in the running of your site.
List of WordPress Web Hosting Service Providers:
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Read More : You can explore here 30+ Best Web Hosting Providers 2023
Video - Best Web Hosting For Small Business
Affordable Website Hosting for your domainIf you found this article helpful, we encourage you to share it on your social media platforms—because sharing is caring! For more information about article submissions on our website, feel free to reach out to us via email.
Send an emailWritten by RGB Web Tech
Latest Technology Trends
Latest technology trends shaping the future, including AI advancements, blockchain innovation, 5G connectivity, IoT integration, and sustainable tech solutions. Explore breakthroughs in quantum computing, cybersecurity, augmented reality, and edge computing. Stay ahead with insights into transformative technologies driving innovation across industries and revolutionizing how we live, work, and connect.